After Tuesday afternoon’s brief practice and shootaround, Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas addressed the media as he spoke about the team’s 2-1 record in its last three road games.
While answering a question, something caught his eye at the Toyota Center practice court and caused him to pause, mid-sentence. “Wow,” Silas said as he stood there in amazement. “Look at Eric, on the rim.”
As the media in attendance turned their heads towards the court, it was plain to see why Silas paused in the middle of his answer.
Guard Eric Gordon, a 14-year NBA veteran, was swinging from the rim after completing a rigorous shooting drill after practice.
Rockets head coach Stephen Silas stops his press conference to admire 13-year veteran guard Eric Gordon hanging from the rim. #Rockets #LightTheFuse #Sarge pic.twitter.com/QlNpL4k4Ss
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) January 18, 2022
If Silas was amazed by the leaping ability of Gordon, then he must be overjoyed by how he is playing this season. The former first-round pick in the 2008 NBA draft has been one of the most consistent players in the league this season, especially from beyond 3-point range. His 45.5% clip ranks Gordon second in the NBA among qualified players, trailing only former teammate and current Miami forward PJ Tucker.
“I have been feeling really good this year,” Gordon said on Tuesday. “I want to continue to play this way and be this way. Staying healthy and being on the court as much as possible.”
The Rockets have been very efficient when Gordon has been on the court this season, and he has taken notice of that, as well:
Throughout my career, roles definitely changed, whether coming off the bench or starting. With me, I feel like I can adapt to all my teammates because of the style of play that I have. It’s good to come back, and I had to work really hard this summer to try to avoid injuries throughout the season and be ready and prepared to have a good season like I’m having this year.
“I am just picking my spots on when I need to shoot the ball, because I don’t like taking bad shots or forced shots,” said Rockets guard Eric Gordon.#Rockets #LightTheFuse #Sarge pic.twitter.com/iqNg9yXx7W
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) January 18, 2022
As the Feb. 10 trade deadline approaches, Gordon has heard and seen all the different trades scenarios with his name involved.
Houston has a very young core of players that they are trying to groom to take that next step of helping bring the Rockets back to prominence, and some think he is not in those plans.
“I’m not even thinking or worried about that,” Gordon said. “Things happen. Get traded or not, you’ve still got to play the game of basketball. Fortunately, I’ve been here for going on six years now, and it’s been really good. I know the situation I’m in. I just continue to play my game and look forward to continue to thrive with this group of guys.”
On Wednesday, the Rockets will be back in action versus the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. CST.
“I’m not even thinking or worried about that,” said Eric Gordon when asked about the February 10 NBA trade deadline. #Rockets #LightTheFuse #Sarge pic.twitter.com/Wn2T1Wowtr
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) January 19, 2022
